Products & Gifts / Culinary Creations / Aaron Sánchez / Recipes
Piña Asada
(Broile Pineapple)
Ingredients:

1 large ripe pineapple
½ cup sugar
Finely grated zest of 1 lime
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, preferable Mexican canela (see note)
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Preheat the broiler. Using a large, sharp knife, cut off the leaves of the pineapple. Slice off the bottom to stabilize the base and stand the pineapple up. Cut off the rind from top to bottom, removing as much of the eyes as possible. Turn the pineapple on its side and slice crosswise into ½-inch thick rounds. Cut the core out of each slice with a pairing knife. Arrange the pineapple rings on a sheet pan lined with aluminum foil.

In a small bowl, toss together the sugar, lime zest and cinnamon. Brush the pineapple with the melted butter and sprinkle with the sugar mixture. Broil until caramelized and bubbly, about 2 to 4 minutes.

Garnish with fresh cream or Crema Mexicana.

*Canela is also called Ceylon; the inner bark of the tropical laurel tree. The cinnamon in Mexico is flesh-colored and sold ground into powder or in whole quills, ranging from 6 inches to 1 foot long. The flavor is mild and sweet, without the astringent burn associated with powdered cinnamon (cassia). In the Latin household, canela is used in both sweet and savory dishes. If you must, substitute powdered cinnamon, but the dish will not be nearly as good or complex.

Serves 4 to 6 (2 to 4 rings per serving)